Water-heating system



M. A. THOMAS July 22, 1952 WATER-HEATING SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 11, 1944 Mar tin A. Th omas INVENTOR.

HIS AGENT.

July 22, 1952 Filed July 11, 1944 A JWW mm INVENTOR,

HZS AGENZ'Z y 22, 1952 M; A. THOMAS 2,604,265

WATER-HEATING SYSTEM Filed July 11, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Martin A. T11 0222 as IN V EN TOR.

by W H15 .AGEN T.

M. A. THOMAS WATER-HEATING SYSTEM July 22, 1952 2,604,265

Filed July 11, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 -Martin A. Thomas INVENTOR.

HIS AGENT:

y 22, 1952 M. A. THOMAS 2,604,265

WATER-HEATING SYSTEM Filed July 11, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig.5

Marim A. 7% Wm M! IN V EN TOR.

Fi i S A (GEN 11 July 22, 1952 THOMAS 2,604,265

WATER-HEATING SYSTEM Filed July 11, 1944 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 I59 I INVENTOR. Martin A Wmmwa BY a 1 HIS AGENT.

Patented July 22, 1952 IUNITED STATES PATENT orrics WATER-HEATING SYSTEM Martin A. Thomas, Abilene, Tex., assignor of onethird to Wayland D. Keith, Wichita Falls, Tex.

Application July 11, 1944, Serial No. 544,431

14 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in water heating systems, and particularly to water heating systems utilizing thermal control for the heating media, as, for instance, turning on the gas, or other source of heat, when the water has cooled to a predetermined temperature.

The storage-type water heater is the most widely used at the present time, but this type of system can be improved materially as to efficiency and lower cost of operation, while yet maintaining all advantages of this system as well as of an instantaneous system.

Various thermal controlled water heating systems have been proposed heretofore, but for the most part, these have been inadequate, as the lag between the time when the water is turned on and the time that fuel ignites at the burner is so long that an accumulated amount of cold water has time to flow into the system before the burner starts operating.

An object of this invention is to provide a water heating system whereby the thermostatic control turns on the gas or other heating media almost simultaneously upon the withdrawal of hot water from the system.

Another object of this invention is to provide a Water heating system which will maintain two different water temperatures for Withdrawal and which are controlled by a single thermostat.

Another object of this invention is to provide a thermo-control valve to direct cold water into close proximity to the thermostat for accelerated actuation of the igniting of the fuel at the burner.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a water heating system utilizing a thermo-syphon circulation system between the heating tank and the storage tank, thereby eliminating the necessity of a mechanical circulating means.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a valve which is pressure operated when the temperature reaches a predetermined degree.

Another object of this invention is to provide a coil within a flue of the water heating system to further heat the water.

The above and other objects and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with parts broken away and in section to illustrate details of construction;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through a modified form of the invention, with parts broken away and in section to show details of construction;

Fig. 3 is an illustration of a still further modification of the invention, with parts broken away and in section to illustrate details of construction;

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of another modification of the invention with parts broken away and in section to illustrate the details of construction;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section of a thermal valve switching mechanism applied to a burner, with parts in elevation;

Fig. 6 is a cross-section through the storage tank, taken on the line 6--6 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged longitudinal section of a pressure operated valve used in the system of Fig. 4.

With more detailed reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the numeral I designates a tank for heating water, which has a primary burner 2 and a secondary burner 2' in the combustion chamber 3 at the lower portion thereof. A vent or flue 4 is provided through the top of the tank I to pass off the products of combustion from the chamber 3.

The tank I is provided with a water inlet pipe 5 and an outlet pipe 6, which outlet pipe 6 is connected with one end of a hot water storage tank 1. A hot water supply pipe 8 is connected with the upper portion of the water storage tank I and leads therefrom. A return circulating pipe 9 leads downward from the lower portion of the storage tank I and interconnects through a check valve 0 with the inlet pipe 5.

A cold water supply pipe II is connected with one side of a diverter valve, generally designated at I2, and which is constructed as shown in Fig. 5. The diverter valve I2 has an inlet opening I3 connected with the pipe II, and discharge openings I4 and I5. The opening I4 is connected with a pipe I4a, leading to a perforated tube I42) (Fig. 6) within the storage tank I. The tube I4b has perforations at [40 therein. The discharge opening I5 is connected with the inlet pipe 5 through a pipe I5a (Fig. 1).

The valve I2 has a disc I6 secured to an axial plunger shaft H. A disc I8 is adjustably secured on a threaded portion I9 of the plunger shaft IT. A nut 20 is used to secure disc I8 in adjusted position. These discs I6 and I8 are positioned within a chamber 2I of the valve I2 so as to seat alternately on valve seats 22 and 23, respectively. A sleeve portion 24 of the casing of the valve I2 carries the seat 23, and is removably attached to the valve body I2 so the seats and discs of the valve may be properly assembled or reconditioned. A spider 26 is formed within the sleeve portion 24 so as to guide the axial plunger shaft II.

A brace 28 is secured in bridging relation to the opposite end of the casing of the valve I2 for attachment of a threaded tubular member 29. The tubular member 29 is screw-threaded through a plate 30, which plate 30 is attached to the wall of the tank I over an opening therein at one side of the chamber 3. A lock nut 3| secures the tubular members 29 in a fixed position relative to the plate. On the end of the tubular member 29 inside the chamber 3 is secured a bi-metallic member 32 which is adjustably secured in place by nuts 33. Another section 34 of the bi-metallic member 32 is adjustably secured thereto by a clamp 35. The outer extremity of bi-metallic member 34 is secured to the axial plunger shaft I! by nuts 36. The inner end of the tubular member 29 is held in spaced relation to burner 2' by a brace 31 which is adjustably mounted on the tubular member 29 by nuts 38.

A fuel supply pipe 39 is connected with the burners 2 and 2 and has a thermostatic control valve .40 therein, the thermostat of which is located in the hot water storage tank I. A pilot light 4| is provided to ignite the burner 2.

In the operation of the system shown in Fig. 1, cold water enters the system through the supply pipe II. With the diverter valve l2 in its normal position, as shown in Fig. 5, the valve I8 being open, a small supply of water is directed immediately through the pipe 14a to the perforated tube [417 (Fig. 6) from which it is directed outwardly through perforations I40 against the thermostat of the valve 40, forming a small localized cool water zone surrounding and cooling said thermostat. With the cool water zone located within the normally hot water zone, this cool water will gradually become heated to operate the thermostatically controlled fuel supply valve 40, but only after a sufiicient time has elapsed to permit the heating of the cool water as it comes into the tank I. The thermostat 4|] is of the conventional type that opens a fuel valve when cooled, permitting fuel to flow to the burners 2 and 2'. The pilot light 4| burns in the chamber 3 so the burners 2 and 2 will be ignited when fuel is supplied thereto. The thermo-element 34 is preferably heated by a secondary burner 2', which burner 2' is connected in parallel with the primary burner 2, which burner 2 is used for heating the incoming and the recirculated water. Therefore, the secondary burner may be independently adjusted so as to give the correct amount of heat on the thermo-element irrespective of the heat at which the primary burner is adjusted to operate.

As soon as the heat from the burner 2 is supplied to the bi-metallic element 34, an expansion of this element takes place so as to move plunger shaft I! (Fig. to the left to close the valve 18 and open the valve I6. In so doing, the water will then be directed from the cold water supply pipe ll through the valve 12 and outlet l5 to the pipe [5a, thence into inlet pipe 5 in the lower portion of tank I (Fig. 1), however, the cool water that is introduced around the thermoelement of valve 40 will gradually become warmed so as to continue to direct fuel to the burners 2 and 2' after the diverter valve I3 has seated on seat 23, to divert the cool water into the area immediately above the burners, thereby preventing any lag-in the starting of the heating of the incoming water, as hot water is being withdrawn.

As this operation has been taking place, the burner 2 has been heating the water in the tank I and as additional cold water is introduced through the pipe 5 heating thereof is started immediately. Thus, as fast as the water is withdrawn through the hot water supply pipe 8 from the storage tank I, more hot water is supplied to the storage tank 1 through the pipe 6 interconnecting the top of the tank I and the tank 1.

Upon ceasing to withdraw hot water from the hot water supply pipe 8, the system will have a tendency to equalize the temperature of the two tanks. The burners 2 and 2' will continue to burn and the water will circulate out of the top of the tank I through the pipe 6 into the storage tank 1, then out of the bottom of the storage tank I, through the pipe 9, check valve I0, and pipe 5 back into the bottom of the tank I. Therefore, with this circulation loop, water in the storage tank I is maintained at the desired temperature by the thermostatic valve 40. Inasmuch as the thermostat of the valve 40 is in close proximity to the water supply outlet 8, the water to be withdrawn can be maintained more nearly at the desired temperature than if the thermostat were located in the heater tank I.

As the water in the storage tank I is heated to a predetermined temperature, according to the setting of the theromstatic valve 40, the latter will close off the supply of fuel to the burners 2 and 2', thereby permitting the bi-metallic thermal element 34 to cool, which will move the plunger l! to close the valve l6 which will close the passage to the outlet I5. These parts will remain in this position until such time as the burners are again ignited. If it is desired, the valve [8 may be adjusted along the threaded portion IQ of axial plunger rod [1 so as to divert a small flow of water onto the thermostat of the valve 40 while the greater portion of the water is directed into the bottom of the tank I. In this manner sufiicient water can be directed onto the thermostat of the valve 40 to keep it cooled sufficiently to maintain the operation of the burners, but not supplying sufficient water to cool the water in the storage tank I. The valve I6 may be adjusted with respect to the seat 22 by an adjustment of the plunger shaft I! by the nuts 36, to allow a flow thereby in closed position.

The system, when used with the thermostat in the storage tank, will actuate the valve l2 to start the heating of the water in the heater tank immediately upon the withdrawal of hot water from the storage tank. Therefore, the capacity of the tanks may be less than would be required ordinarily, as the capacity output of hot water is much greater, since there is no time lag between the withdrawal of water from the storage tank'and the time the thermostat 40 starts the heating of water in the heater tank, as is the case with conventional systems.

By the use of the system above described, instantaneous water heating is obtained without the use of coils, which are objectionable where mineral deposits, such as lime or the like are prevalent. This system makes possible the use of smaller capacity tanks than heretofore and still obtain the desired volume output of hot water, without the necessity for maintaining a large reserve of hot water, thereby effecting a material saving of fuel. The smaller capacity system also reduces the cost of initial installation, as well as lowering the cost of operation due to maintaining the desired temperature in a smaller quantity of water.

The form of the invention shown in Fig. 2 has a water tank 5! having burners 52 and 52 in a combustion chamber 53. A flue 54 extends upwardly through the tank to vent the products of combustion from the combustion chamber 53. The tank 5| is provided with a water inlet pipe 55 in the lower portion thereof.

;A diverter valve 51, similar to the valve [2 shown in Fig. 5, as' described above, is provided for controlling the supply of water from pipe 58 either to the pipe 55 or to a pipe 59 connected with a perforated tube 60, similar to the tube |4b shown in Fig. 6. A bi-metallic thermostatic unit 6| is attached to an axial plunger shaft 62 for operating the valve elements in the valve 5'1.

A heating coil 63 is disposed in the upper portion of the combustion chamber 53 and extends through the flue 54 in which it is suspended by a brace 64. The coil 63 is connected at one end with a pipe 65 which extends in the tank 5| to an upper portion thereof but is diametrically disposed from perforated tube 60. The coil 63 has a normal outlet into a pipe 66 connected therewith and with an outlet pipe 56 to supply hot water to the desired point. However, a bypass 61 interconnects the pipe 66 with a pipe 68 through a check valve 69, the pipe 68 opening into the top of the tank 5| so water may be circulated through coil 63 and back into tank 5|. A valve I is provided between the pipes 68 and 56, which valve connecting these together, is normally closed to prevent water from flowing from the pipe 68 into the pipe 56, unless desired.

A drain valve may be located in the lower portion of tank I, if desired.

I A fuel supply line 12 has a thermostatic valve 13 therein, for supplying gas or other fuel to the burners 52 and 52. A pilot light burner '14 is provided for igniting the burner 52.

This form of the invention shown in Fig. 2 is similar in operation in many respects to that shown in Fig. 1, except that a single tank 5| is used for both heating and storage. This is particularly desirable in a residence or wherever a small amount of hot water is required. The water may be maintained at a relatively low storage temperature, as for example 80 degrees to 90 degrees F., which increases the useful life of the tank. The booster coil 63 has sufficient heat exchange surface to raise the water temperature from 80 or 90 degrees F. to 140 or 160 degrees F., as might be desired.

In this form, the water is admitted through the, pipe 58 into the diverter valve 51 which may be of the same construction shown in Fig. 5. This valve 51 will, direct water first through the pipe 59 and the perforated tube 60 onto the thermostatic element of the valve 13, which will cool the thermostat sufficiently to open the valve 13 and permit the fuel to pass through pipe 12 to the burners 52 and 52' which will be ignited by the pilot light 14. As soon as the burners are ignited, the bi-metallic unit 6| of the diverter valve 51 actuates the plunger shaft 62 so as to shift the valve elements therein and direct the water from the supply line 58 through the diverter valve 51 and the inlet pipe 55 into the lower portion of tank 5|. In so doing the heat from burners 52 and 52' within the combustion chamber 53 will heat the lower portion of the water tank to cause an initial heating of the cold water.

As the hot water is withdrawn from the hot water supply pipe 56 the hotter water in the upper portion of tank 5| will be drawn through the pipe 65 into the coil 63 in the upper portion of the combustion chamber 53 and within the flue 54 where this water is further heated. The hot water will then pass outward from the coil 63 through the pipe 66 into the hot water supply pipe 56. The valve normally will be closed when the coil 63 is being utilized. After the hot water has ceased to be withdrawn a circulation within the tank 5| will continue through the coil 63, by-pass pipe 61, check valve 69, and back through the pipe 68 in the top of the tank 5|. This will be continued until the temperatures of the water reaches the predetermined setting of thermostatic valve I3, when said valve 13 will close and discontinue the flow of fuel through the line I2 to burners 52 and 52. Then the bi-metallic element 6| will cool so as to move the valve members into the initial positions, as shown in Fig. 5.

By having the coil 63 disposed within the combustion chamber 53, sweating or condensation of moisture on the coils is greatly reduced or completely eliminated, due to the fact that the water introduced into the coil has been heated initially and it is not necessary for the coil to complete a heating operation at one step as has been the usual practice in coil-type heaters. By initially heating the water in this manner, much of the lime deposit and other mineral solids are caused to settle out in the bottom of tank 5|, and may be withdrawn through drain ll, whereby freeing the water of these mineral deposits before it enters the coil 63. Therefore, the coil 63 will be less likely to have these deposits accumulate therein and become clogged thereby, because much of such mineral matter would be removed by the preheating. Furthermore, the range of heating of the water on the coil'is not as large as if the coil had to raise the temperature from the normal cold water temperature as introduced to the highest desired hot water temperature.

The coil 63 is removably suported within the title 54 and the upper portion of combustion chamber 53 and it may be removed readily for cleaning or repair. This coil is provided with the customary unions at either end thereof and is carried by the brace 64 which supports said coil within the flue 54. With the coil 63 thus arranged, it acts as a baflle whereby a high heat recovery is possible from the spent flue gases which pass upward through the flue or vent 54 in contact with the coil, and thus the maximum heating efficiency is obtained.

When it is desired to remove the coil 63, the pipe 65 may be capped at its lower end, and the pipe may be capped also where the coil is' disconnected, and the valve 10 opened. Then by raising the temperature setting of the thermostatic valve 13, the system may be used until such time as the coil has been repaired and replaced.

With the system thus arranged, the hot water may then be withdrawn through the pipe 68, through open valve 10, and out through hot water supply pipe 56. The actuation of the rest of the system wil1 not be impaired as it will continue to operate in the same manner as hereinbefore described, except the water will flow out of the tank directly through the pipe 63, instead of passing through the coil 63.

The pipe 66 is shown as provided with a T 15 through which water at a sterilizing temperature may be withdrawn as desired upon proper setting of the valve 13. In that event, water at normal temperature may be withdrawn through the pipes 68 and 56 upon opening the valve 10.

Due to the fact that the heater tank is operated at such low temperature, little or no insulation is required, as the temperature may be only slightly higher than normal room temperature. as desired.

After water has been withdrawn from-the sys tem the burner will 'continueto burn and the circulation will be through check valve BS-until the water in' thetank reaches the temperature of predetermined setting of the valve.

The form of'the invention-shown in Fig. 3 has a tank 8| with a combustion chamber 82 in the lower portion thereof, where heat is applied by a burner (not shown) to the lower portion of the tank and'to a coil 83. The tank has a water inlet pipe Mat the bottom thereof. and a water outlet pipe 85 which extends from 'the top thereof to a hot water storage tank 86.- A hot water supply lineal is provided at the upper portion ofthe hot water tank 86 for supplying moderately hot water therefrom to the point of'use;

A pipe 88 extends downwardly from the storage tank 86 and'is' connected also with the lower portion of tank IlI through a check valve 89 so as to form a circulation loop. The pipe 88 is connected also througha pipe 90'with one end of the coil 83 within the combustion chamber 82.

An outlet 'QI isprovidcd at the upper end of coil 83 for supplying water of a higher temperature than is supplied by water outletpipe 81. A' by-"' pass 92 is provided between the pipe 85 and the" upper end of the coil 83 so that water may circulate from the coil intothe tank 86;

A diverter valve 96, similar in construction to (not shown) disposed'in the combustion chamber 82." The burner and diverter valve'are similar in construction to the assembly shown in' The form ofithe invention shown in Fig; 3 utilizes a "diverter valve and a perforated discharge tube in thetank that directs cold water against a control"thermostat similar. to that shown in Fig; 6; 'However, this form is recommended for large requirements of hot water where two different[temperatures of water are desired; A moderately hot'water may be with-- drawnthrough the hot water supply pipei8'l'; as

for ex'ample',1 this water may be about 140 degrees F.,",which is sufficiently hot for all ordinary purposes. Howevenat times it maybedesired' to' have water of a highertemperature and 'at,

sterilization temperature by the use of asingle heatsource with the single thermostaticjvalve I8I disposedwithin the storage tank 86:

The pipe 88 passes fromthe lower portion of the storage tank '86- and connectswith the pipe flfl which in turn connects with the lower end of the coil'83, which extends'upwardly through'the vent flue I02. The coil 83 has sufficient heat exchangesurface to heatthe'water thereinlto a temperature desirable for sterilization purposes. When the water is not used for'sterilization, the water in'th'e heating coil 83 will pass outward through the by-pass 82,'through check valve 93, and through pipe 85into thestorage tank 86, thence down through pipe B8'and check valve .89 into the heater tank SI; However, aportion'of the water] will, alsofcirculate simultaneously through the coil 83which, will cause thisacceler ated thermo-syphon action. I

By supplying the coil 83 from the pipe fillat the lowest'pointin the'thermo-syphonic system, and

discharging thewater' from the coil justabove:

the heater in the flowli'ne85, instant rapid circulation is created between the storage tank 86"and' the heater.

Theform of theinvention asshown in Fig. 4 comprisesa tank III having a burner II2 dis posed-"in a combustion chamber H3 in the lower: portion thereof.

bustion chamber H3 and extends through theflue 4.

A cold water supply pipe I I6admits cold water into a diverter valve I I'I, shown in detail in Fig. 7. The valve II! has a passage H8 connected with a pipe I I9, and a passage I20 connected with a water inlet pipeI2I which extends to the lower portion of tank III. The-pipe'IIQis connected with a storage tank I22 and has a'perforated tube extending therein in close proximity to the thermostat of a valve [23, similar to that shown inFig. 6. A fuel supply line I24 is connected with the burner II2 through the thermostatic valve I23.

"A pipe I26 connects the lower portion of hot water'storage tank I22 with the'lower portion of the hot water tank} III through a check valve I21. A pipe I2B connects the pipe I26 with the lower end'of the coil II5. The'upper end of the'coil i I5 has thermo-relief" valve I29 disposed thereon, and has a by-pass I38 interconnected with the pipe I25, and apipe I3I connected with the-- relief valve opening thereof for directing water to one end of a cylinder I32, as shown in Fig.

'7. The cylinder I32 has a piston I33 disposed therein" and mounted on an axial plunger shaft I34: A spring I35 is disposed in the cylinder I32 at the opposite side of the piston I33 from the inlet of the pipe I3I. through the piston I33 so as to connect a chamber I37 with a chamber I38-on' opposite sides of 1 a packing gland I4I around the stem thereof' where it passes through the end wall thereof.

A'single-valve disc I42 having a. double face thereon'ismountecl on the plunger-rod I34. A seat is provided on either side of the disc so either outlet passage I I8 or I28 may be closed, depending on the position of the valve I42.

The form of'the invention shown in Fig. 4'is similar in operation to the other forms described above,- except that the diverter valve I I1 is operated by pressure and may be located at a remote point from the heater tank III. In the opertaion of this form, the cold water enters through a pipe IIB-to the storage tank I22 and a'perforated tube similar to the form shown in Fig. 6, which will cause thermostatic valve I23 to open, causing burner II2 to be ignited by pilot light II2. This will heat the water in the coil II5, causing the water to circulate through" the coil and through the thermo-relief valve I29, into the lay-pass I38, thence into the pipe I25. I

The'thermo-relief valve I29'will open apassage into the line I3I which will direct the water, under pressure, to cylinder I32; as shown'in Fig. 7. The -pressure thereinwill cause the piston The combustion chamber 3' has a flueIM leading upwardly therefrom. A

coil H5 is mounted in the upper portion'of com 1 I25 interconnects the top of heater tank I II with the storage tank I22, and a pipe An orifice I36 extends and pass outward through the pipe I25 into the storage tank I22 for withdrawal through hot water supply pipe I22. However, a portion of the water will circulate back from the tank I22 through the pipe I26 either through the check valve I27 into the tank III, or through pipe I28 into the coil II from which it will flow through the by-pass I30 into the pipe I25, so as to complete a circulation loop. In normal operation, the major portion of the water will be circulated through the coil II5.

-When the water in the storage tank I22 reaches the temperature determined, according to the setting of the thermostat, the thermostatic valve I23 will close the fuel supply line I24 which will extinguish the burner II2. Therefore, with the coil I I5 not being heated, the thermo-relief valve I29 will cool so as to close the passage I3I leading to the cylinder I32. With the passage I3I closed, the water within the chamber I31 will leak through the small orifice I35 in the piston I33. This will permit the spring I35 to urge the piston into the position shown in Fig. 7. The water will flow from the chamber I38 through the drain passage I39 into a waste drain. The orifice I36 will be relatively small compared to the pipe I3I, whereby the amount of water wasted by the operation of the valve will be negligible.

The form of the invention shown in Fig. 4 will provide a rapid thermo-syphonic circulation through the pipe I26 and coil II5 into the pipe I25 and back into storage tank I22, so as to obviate the necessity of a mechanical pump for circulation.

This installation is particularly desirable for large requirements of hot water at one temperature. It provides the same rapid circulation described above.

While each of the forms has been described in detail, it is pointed out that a cold water inlet directing cold water to a point within the immediate region of the thermostat that controls the fuel supply to the burner or other heating element is common to all forms, and immediately. upon turning on the burner all or. the greater part of the cold water is directed into the heating tank.

By selecting the proper installation hereindescribed depending on the requirements and also depending on conditions of water in the locality of installation, a system of hot water is available for any and all requirements, at maximum eificiency possible, and at minimum cost of operation and maintenance.

In the forms shown in Figs. 2 and 3, two temperatures of water may be maintained for withdrawal, by the use of a single thermostatic fuel supply valve controlling a single heating unit or burner in the combustion chamber.

I claim:

' 1. In a Water heating system, a tank adapted to contain water and having an outlet therefor, said tank having a plurality of cold water inlets. heating means for the water, a cold water supply, means for directing water from said cold water supply to one of said tank inlets, means for actuating the water heating means upon, the

10'. direction of cold Water to said tank inlet, and means operated in response to the actuation of the heating means for directing water from the cold water supply to the other tank inlet at a point in close proximity to the source of heat.

2. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outlet in said diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one of the inlets thereof upon withdrawal of heated liquid from said storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel supply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, and means connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of heated liquid from said heater tank to said storage tank.

3. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outlet in said diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one of the inlets thereof upon withdrawal of heated liquid from said storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel sup-' ply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank. and connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, and means connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of heated liquid from said heater tank to said storage tank, and means forming a return passage from said liquid storage tank to said heater tank independent of said connecting means to permit recirculation of liquids between said tanks.

4. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outlet in said diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one of the inlets thereofv upon withdrawal of heated liquid from said storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel supply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, said diverter valve comprising a thermoelement adapted for switching said valve mecha- 1 1 nism so as to close certain of said passages and to-open other of certain passages in responseto change in temperature as applied thereto, and means for connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of'heated' located within 'a' cold'liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel supplyvalve; a fuel supply line connected through said-thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a:heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and'connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for" controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, said diverter valve comprising a thermoelement' adapted for switching said valve mechanism so as to close certain of said passages and to open other of certain passage in response to change in temperature as applied thereto, means for connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of heated liquid from said heater tank to said storage tank, a; liquid outlet pipe having one end connected with a portion of saidliquid storage tank, a heat exchange member disposedwithin the area heated by'the heating element and connected with the other end of said-liquid outlet pipe, the oother end of said heat exchange member connected with an outlet for supplying heated liquid at a higher temperature-than maintained in said heated liquid storage tank.

6'. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valvehaving an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outletinsaid diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one of the inlets thereof upon withdrawal of heated liquid from said storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel supply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and connected with said fuel line. means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, said diverter valve comprising a thermoelement adapted for switching said valve mechanism so as to close certain of said passages and to open other of certain passages in response to change in temperature as applied thereto, and means for connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the pasof heated liquid from said heater tank sage to s'faidstora'g'e tank, a liquid outlet pipe having one end connected with a portion of said liquid storage tank, a heat exchange member disposed within the area heated by the heating element and connected with the other end of said liquid outlet pipe, the other end of said heat exchange and member connected with an outlet for supplying heated liquid at a higher temperature than maintained in said heated liquid storage tank, and a by-pass connection inter-connecting the discharge end of said heat exchange member with the connecting means leading to said liquid storage tank from the heated tank.

'7. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outlet in said diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one ofthe inlets thereofupon withdrawal of heated liquid from said" storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel supply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said' thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a' heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, said diverter valve comprising a thermo-element adapted for switching said valve mechanism so as to close certain of said passages and to open other of certain passages in response to change in temperature as applied thereto, and means for connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of heated liquid from said heater tank to said storage tank, a liquid outlet pipe having one end connected with a portion of said liquid storage tank, a heat exchange member disposed within the area heated by the heating element and connected with the other end of said liquid outlet pipe, the other end of said heat exchange member connected with an outlet for supplying heated liquid at a higher temperature than maintained in said heated liquid storage tank, said heat exchange member comprising a pipe coil disposed within said heated area.

8. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outlet in said diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one of the inlets thereof upon withdrawal of heated liquid from said storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid storage tank for controlling the fuel supply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, said diverter valve comprising a thermo-element adapted for switching said valve mechanism so as to close certain of said passages and to open other of certain passages in response to change in temperature as applied thereto, and means for connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of heated liquid from said heater tank to said storage tank, said diverter valve controlling means comprising a b metallic unit disposed within the region of the 13 heating element, and control valve means connected with an end of said unit.

9. In a liquid heating system, a heating tank having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid storage tank having inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, means for directing a cold liquid through an outlet in said diverter valve and into said liquid storage tank through one of the inlets thereof upon withdrawal of heated liquid from said storage tank, a fuel supply valve, a thermostatic element located within a cold liquid inlet region of said liquid'storage tank for controlling the fuel supply valve, a fuel supply line connected through said thermostat control valve for supplying fuel, a heating element at the lower portion of said heating tank and connected with said fuel line, means responsive to combustion at the burner for controlling said diverter valve so as to close the first-mentioned outlet and open another outlet so as to direct cold liquid into said heater tank, and means connecting said heater tank and said storage tank to permit the passage of heated liquid from said heater tank to said storage tank, the cold liquid inlet of the storage tank having a tube connected with the cold liquid directing means and arranged in said storage tank with means for directing cold liquid therefrom into proximity with the thermostatic element to cause actuation thereof.

10. In a liquid heating system, a tank having two inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and two outlets, thermo-control means for actuating a diverter valve for directing cold liquid from the diverter valve to one of the tank inlets upon withdrawal of heated liquid therefrom, a thermostatic valve means arranged in the region of said cold liquid inlet and responsive to the admission of cold liquid thereto, a fuel supply line connected with said valve, a burner connected with said fuel supply line and arranged to heat the liquid supply to said tank and means responsive to the combustion in the burner for controlling an outlet of the diverter valve connected with a cold water inlet of the tank.

11. In a liquid heating system, a tank having two inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and two outlets, thermo-control means for actuating a diverter valve for directing cold liquid from the diverter valve to one of the tank inlets upon withdrawal of heated liquid therefrom, a thermostatic valve having thermostatic means arranged in the region of said cold liquid inlet and responsive to the admission of cold liquid thereto, a fuel supply line connected with said valve, a burner connected with said fuel supply line and arranged to heat the liquid supplied to said tank, and means responsive to the heat of combustion at the burner for directing liquid from the other outlet of the diverter valve into heat exchange relation with the burner to be heated thereby and for directing said heated liquid to the tank.

12. In a liquid heating system, a tank having two inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and two outlets, means for directing cold liquid from one of the outlets of the diverter valve to one of the tank inlets upon withdrawal of heated liquid therefrom, a thermostatic valve having thermostatic means arranged in the region of said cold liquid inlet and responsive to the admission of cold liquid thereto, a fuel supply line connected with said valve, and a burner connected with said fuel supply line and arranged to heat the liquid supplied to said tank, and means for directing liquid from the other outlet of the diverter valve into heat exchange relation with the burner to be heated thereby and for directing said heated liquid to the tank, and means responsive to the heat at the burner for controlling the diverter valve to direct cold liquid to the first-mentioned inlet of the tank upon withdrawal of liquid therefrom and to direct liquid to the heating means for heating thereby during operation of the burner.

13. In a liquid heating system, a tank having two inlets and an outlet, a diverter valve having an inlet and two outlets, means for directing cold liquid from one of the outlets of the diverter valve to one of the tank inlets upon withdrawal of heated liquid therefrom, a thermostatic valve having thermostatic means arranged in the region of said cold liquid inlet and responsive to the admission of cold liquid thereto, a fuel supply line connected with said valve, and a burner con nected with said fuel supply line and arranged to heat the liquid supplied to said tank, and means for directing liquid from the other outlet of the diverter valve into heat exchange relation with the burner to be heated thereby and for directing said heated liquid to the tank, and means responsive to the heat at the burner for controlling the diverter valve to direct cold liquid to the first-mentioned inlet of the tank upon withdrawal of liquid therefrom and to direct liquid to the heating means for heating thereby during operation of the burner, a secondary heat exchange member connected with the tank to withdraw liquid therefrom and to cause further heating of said withdrawn liquid, and an outlet connected directly with said secondary heat exchange member for discharge of the liquid therefrom.

14. In a water heating system, a tank adapted to contain water and having an outlet therefor, said tank having a plurality of inlets, heating means for the water, a cold water supply, conduit means connecting said cold water supply with said inlets, a. valve in said conduit means for controlling the flow of cold water to said inlets, means for actuating said valve to direct water from said cold water supply to one of said inlets, means for actuating the water heating means upon the direction of water to one of said inlets, and means responsive to the actuation of said heating means for actuating said valve to direct water from said cold water supply to another of said inlets.

MARTIN A. THOMAS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 545,735 Seamans Sept. 3, 1895 1,535,193 Wild Apr. 28, 1925 1,566,056 Westerfield Dec. 15, 1925 1,643,223 O'Dowd Sept. 20, 1927 1,901,761 McCorquodale Mar. 14, 1933 1,908,041 Miller May 9, 1933 1,952,516 Sperry et al Mar. 27, 1934 1,995,561 Belanger Mar. 26, 1935 2,032,447 Stack Mar. 3, 1936 2,257,972 McCallum Oct. 7, 1941 2,291,023 Burklin July 28, 1942 

